The special election date is announced for the state House’s 113th District, while two state Senators were sworn-in to office on Wednesday. Here is the Playbook. 

HD113: Special Election Set For November 2: The special election is to fill the open state House seat previously held by state Rep. Marty Flynn, who won a special election last month to represent the state Senate’s 22nd District.

PA Society Returns to NY Hilton in December: The annual dinner will return on December 4 in New York City, at the Hilton.

‘2 winners of May special elections sworn in to state Senate’: The Associated Press reports that Democrat Marty Flynn was sworn-in yesterday to serve the state Senate’s 22nd District, while Republican Chris Gebhard was sworn-in yesterday to serve the state Senate’s 48th District. 

‘What the hell is he talking about?’: Keilar responds to Republican’s claim’: CNN‘s Brianna Keilar, John Berman and Amanda Carpenter “discuss Gary Tuchman’s conversation with Pennsylvania Republican State Sen. Doug Mastriano who claimed he’s seen better elections in Afghanistan than in Pennsylvania.”

‘Lawmakers look to extend waivers under disaster declaration’: The Associated Press reports that “Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled Legislature appeared Wednesday to back off a wholesale end to the governor’s pandemic disaster emergency declaration, with lawmakers working to decide on which regulatory waivers to extend.” 

‘Pension system sued over access to documents amid probe’: The Associated Press reports that state Sen. Katie Muth (D-Montgomery) “is suing Pennsylvania’s largest public pension system amid a federal investigation into aspects of the agency’s undertakings, saying agency officials have refused to share documents with her, even though she is a board member.”

‘Senate advances ‘vaccine passport’ bill with new measure to restrict health secretary; Wolf will veto’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Three weeks after voters limited the emergency powers of Gov. Tom Wolf and his successors, the Pennsylvania state Senate has moved to impose similar restrictions on the state health secretary.”

‘House advances bills to help military families; stimulus funding for state veterans programs pending’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Veterans and their families could receive lower college tuition, expanded pensions, and be eligible for out-of-state hunting and fishing in the commonwealth under a package of 13 bills moving through the Pennsylvania House this month.” 

‘Pa. House approves legislation to mandate disposal of fetal remains’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Despite a promised veto from Gov. Tom Wolf, the GOP-controlled state House again pushed through legislation that would mandate the disposal of fetal remains at health facilities.”

Redding Talks To Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding talked to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star in a Q&A about the 2022 farm show return, COVID recovery, and the Chesapeake Bay. 

‘Pa. Sen. Chris Gebhard nervous but ready to take on challenge of his new job’: PennLive reports on state Sen. Chris Gebhard being sworn-in to office on Wednesday.  

‘Dauphin County’s chief clerk replaces commissioner after unanimous vote: ‘It’s quite an honor’: PennLive reports that “Newly appointed Dauphin County Commissioner Chad Saylor was sworn in Wednesday morning in front of a wall-to-wall crowd in the commissioners’ meeting room at 2 S. Second St., Harrisburg.” 

‘Future of Philly’s fight to enact local gun laws is now in the hands of state court’: WHYY reports that “A panel of state judges is now considering whether Philadelphia’s fight to enact its own gun control measures should move forward in Commonwealth Court — or be dismissed.” 

‘Philly Council bill limiting landlords’ use of eviction records advances’: WHYY reports that Philadelphia City Councilmember Kendra Brooks’ Renters’ Access Act “passed Tuesday night out of committee and will be up for a final vote June 17.”

‘Lancaster City Council considers pay raises for mayor, council members’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports on the discussion recently held at a Lancaster City Council meeting about “proposals to increase the salaries of the mayor and council members.”

‘Black attorney demands apology from DA Zappala, calls Allegheny Co. courthouse ‘cesspool of white privilege’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “Black defense attorney Milton Raiford refused Wednesday to participate in his client’s nonjury trial until Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. meets with him, resigns or recuses himself from all of Raiford’s cases.” 

‘Pa. borough council president charged with bribery after investigation by joint FBI task force’: PennLive reports that “Robert Semenza, president of the Old Forge Borough Council, was charged by Acting United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler with soliciting and accepting cash payments in return for official acts between January 2019 and February 2020.”

‘Fines and payments, nothing more, for ex-sheriff Welsh and McKinney’: The Daily Local News reports former Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh was ordered by a Common Pleas Court judge on Wednesday that “she only pay a fine and restitution but withstand no further punishment for her offenses.”  

Cusat Endorses Barletta for Gov: Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat has endorsed former Congressman Lou Barletta for Governor. Barletta served as the mayor of Hazleton prior to winning a seat in Congress in 2010.  

Chen Joins New Democrat Coalition: POLITICO reports that Sally Chen joined the New Democrat Coalition as Press Assistant. Chen previously worked for Rep. Madeleine Dean’s (D-Montgomery) congressional office and campaign. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: 2 winners of May special elections sworn in to state Senate 
AP: Pension system sued over access to documents amid probe
AP: ‘Stop taking bribes,’ protesters urge Pennsylvania lawmakers
AP: Lawmakers look to extend waivers under disaster declaration
AP: Pennsylvania House advances bill on handling fetal remains
AP: Penn State ex-president Graham Spanier reports early to jail
Spotlight PA: Wolf sticks by $1 billion plan to close Pa.’s education gap, minus his proposed tax increase
Spotlight PA: Personal data from Pa. contact tracing calls still online despite assurances it had been secured 
Spotlight PA: In a revolt, dissidents on PSERS board lobby colleagues to fire the fund’s leaders and set a new investment strategy 
Spotlight PA: Sold on the promise of a college education, some former Milton Hershey School students ended up with debt, hardships
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Capital-Star Q&A: Pa. Ag. Sect’y Russell Redding talks 2022 Farm Show return, COVID recovery, and the Chesapeake Bay
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Welcoming two new members, Pa. Senate back to full complement
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With election reforms on GOP’s radar, Wolf and Democrats draw red line on voter ID, other proposals
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. House approves legislation to mandate disposal of fetal remains
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Suburban Philly activist, local leaders urge Congress to move faster on regulating PFAS
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: House advances bills to help military families; stimulus funding for state veterans programs pending
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Bridges, buses, bypasses, and more: All the Pa. projects included in U.S. House Dems’ $547B transportation bill
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Senate advances ‘vaccine passport’ bill with new measure to restrict health secretary; Wolf will veto 
Inquirer: Commenters overwhelmingly opposed Pa. state university mergers during first day’s hearings
Patriot News: Pa. Senate hits pause on termination of pandemic emergency; negotiations could lead to a Thursday vote
Patriot News: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf says he will veto any bill that suppresses voter access
Patriot News: Pa. Sen. Chris Gebhard nervous but ready to take on challenge of his new job 
Patriot News: Pa. gives more than 13 million vaccine doses: COVID-19 update 
USA Today: House passes GOP-backed fetal remains bill after heated debate. Wolf vows to veto it.
USA Today: Wolf, Democrats say Pa. already had election audits — and Biden won 
USA Today: Why critics say a gun law passed by Pa. House encourages NRA to sue municipalities 
USA Today: Having problems with Pa. new unemployment system? Know these tips
York Daily Record: Here’s how two Capitol riot cases from Pennsylvania may come to an end with plea deals
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Senate hits pause button on ending Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 disaster declaration
WLVR: New Unemployment Claim System Launches In Pennsylvania, But Not Without Complaints
PLSReporter: House approves bill to curtail local power over firearms
PLSReporter: Bill prohibiting COVID-19 vaccination requirement, limiting DOH powers passes Senate 
Post-Gazette: Wolf vows to veto ‘legislative efforts’ to limit access to voting
Post-Gazette: Grad student cutting lawns to pay off college debt gives officials a lecture on Pa. state university mergers
StateImpactPA: Coal mine along Pennsylvania-West Virginia border to close
StateImpactPA: Pittsburgh-area coal-fired power plant to close
The Hill: Pennsylvania’s Fetterman knocks Manchin: ‘Naive’ to think GOP will act in good faith
The Hill: Pennsylvania Rep. Chrissy Houlahan declines to run for Senate, will seek reelection
KYW Newsradio: ‘Concerning’: Governor Wolf takes issue with resolution ending emergency declaration
Politico: House Democrats about to uncork 5-pronged assault on tech
WFMZ: Pa. Senate considering keeping some waivers in COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration in place
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania House votes to end Gov. Wolf’s COVID-19 disaster declaration
CNN: ‘What the hell is he talking about?’: Keilar responds to Republican’s claim
Real Clear Politics: PA Illustrates the Extent of America’s Opioid Crisis

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: Future of Philly’s fight to enact local gun laws is now in the hands of state court
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Council bill limiting landlords’ use of eviction records advances 
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia police say they’ve seized more ghost guns in 6 months than in all of last year 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly to lift indoor mask restrictions and 11 p.m. last call beginning Friday
KYW Newsradio: Lawsuit over whether Pa. House banning local gun laws means ‘state-created danger’
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia to end indoor mask mandate on Friday, with selected exceptions 
Inquirer: Philadelphia’s mask restrictions will end Friday 
Inquirer: Trauma, grief, and anxiety complicate how communities of color view Philadelphia’s reopening: ‘The excitement is bittersweet’ 
Inquirer: Philadelphia trails its 7 neighboring counties on COVID-19 vaccinations
Billy Penn: Despite many good options, Jake Tapper’s followers think ‘Rocky’ is the best Philly movie
Philadelphia Tribune: Jason Wingard, Ph.D., named first African-American president of Temple University
Philadelphia Citizen: The Citizen Recommends: An Evening With Author Alex Kotlowitz

SEPA
Daily Local News: Fines and payments, nothing more, for ex-sheriff Welsh and McKinney 
Daily Local News: In Chester County, vaccines working, numbers prove it
Inquirer: Former Chester County sheriff ordered to reimburse county in K-9 unit theft case
Bucks County Courier Times: Appeals court: Neshaminy mascot nickname does not violate law, can be used
WHYY Newsworks: State court decision reignites debate over Neshaminy School District’s team name
Montgomery Media: COVID guidelines released as children prepare to attend summer camps 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 99 new COVID-19 cases over 7 days 

Pittsburgh 
Tribune Review: Black attorney demands apology from DA Zappala, calls Allegheny Co. courthouse ‘cesspool of white privilege’
Tribune Review: Peduto says Juneteenth bill sent without his knowledge; organizers alarmed at $130K price tag
Tribune Review: Advocates for Pittsburgh-area sex workers call on officials for decriminalization 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County fines U.S. Steel $200,000 for air pollution, permit violations  
Tribune Review: Allegheny, Westmoreland see rapid drops in new covid cases
WESA: Why Aren’t More SWPA Residents Going Back To Work? Lack Of Child Care Tops The List 
WESA: Council Hopes To Pool Resources To Hike Wages For Lifeguards 
WESA: Tool To Create Affordable Housing Wins Preliminary Approval From Pittsburgh City Council 
Post-Gazette: With surface transportation bill, Democrats make first move to advance Biden infrastructure plan as talks falter
Post-Gazette: U.S. Steel fined for more than $200K for health violations 
Post-Gazette: Future of industrial Mon Valley should be cleaner, speakers say  
KDKA: Allegheny County Health Department Fines U.S. Steel $200K For Air Pollution, Permit Violations At Clairton Coke Works
KDKA: Rally And Prayer Vigil Against Gun Violence Held In Pittsburgh
KDKA: Study: Pittsburgh Is The No. 3 Most Livable City In The United States
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 39 More Coronavirus Cases, 3 Additional Deaths
Pittsburgh Business Times: Health Department again penalizes U.S. Steel

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: House votes to end disaster status
Altoona Mirror: Bill would honor seaman
Tribune Review: Home health aides protest at Reschenthaler’s Greensburg office
Tribune Review: Rookie Westmoreland County election director suspended with pay
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Council considering amendments to Johnstown’s Home Rule Charter; may ease residency requirement for manager 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria NAACP chief questions Bedford court decision; BLM group returns to area for first time since 2020 shooting
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria judge to ‘follow the science,’ keep COVID-19 restrictions in place for court activities
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Burns: Cambria County awarded $155K in state criminal justice grants
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Most area counties’ COVID-19 case average in single-digits
KDKA: Oral Arguments Begin Today In Case Brought Forth By Butler Area School District Against Gov. Tom Wolf
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 cases drop sharply in Pennsylvania

NEPA
WNEP: Special election set for Lackawanna County state representative
Citizens Voice: Flynn sworn in as new state senator
Citizens Voice: County council accepts Pedri’s resignation, plans new manager search
Citizens Voice: Four Luzerne County projects included in federal funding bill
Citizens Voice: 9 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths reported in county
Patriot News: Pa. borough council president charged with bribery after investigation by joint FBI task force
Times-Tribune: Flynn sworn in as new state senator
Times-Tribune: Former Old Forge Borough President charged by FBI
Times-Tribune: Long-term COVID-19 trends dip to October levels as regional cases continue decrease
The Times Leader: Knapp seeks recount in Luzerne County Council race
The Times Leader: Cartwright: $20M for infrastructure projects moves forward 
The Times Leader: Citizens invited to apply for Luzerne County manager search committee 
The Times Leader: 9 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Wednesday; 2 deaths

South Central  
Patriot News: Pa. Sen. Chris Gebhard nervous but ready to take on challenge of his new job 
Patriot News: Dauphin County’s chief clerk replaces commissioner after unanimous vote: ‘It’s quite an honor’  
Patriot News: Carlisle named an “All-America City” by National Civic League
York Daily Record: York County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 39% of people fully vaccinated
Carlisle Sentinel: Opposition presses forward as county on cusp of Claremont sale deal
Carlisle Sentinel: Careers with room to grow: Wolf administration urges children to explore hands-on agriculture opportunities this summer
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 8 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Wednesday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster City Council considers pay raises for mayor, council members

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Gov. Tom Wolf and other leading Democrats bash Republican efforts promoting false narrative about the 2020 election
Morning Call: Allentown raising pay for lifeguards as Lehigh Valley scrambles with shortage that is jeopardizing pool openings 
WFMZ: Senator Boscola announces over $1.8M grant for criminal justice initiatives 
Reading Eagle: 967 more Berks County residents complete COVID vaccinations

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County Commissioners at odds over library Pride Month display
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Design services OK’d for county health center
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Elevator bid discussed by finance committee
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City reminds public about fireworks ordinance
Erie Times-News: Erie County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 41% of people fully vaccinated

Opinion  
John Fetterman: On transformative legislation Joe Manchin should step up
Christine Toretti and Andrew Reilly: The Republican Party is not divided in Pennsylvania
Inquirer Editorial Board: Until all 54 libraries reopen, Philly can’t recover from COVID-19 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: New owner of the former Conestoga View nursing home has us concerned 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: NFL, at last, comes to realization that ‘race-norming’ should be discontinued
Ahmad Mitchell and Jamie Zigarelli: Make CCP free and fully fund community college in Philadelphia
Elizabeth M. Meade: To address student debt crisis, colleges need to focus on getting students across the finish line
Anna Shipp: How Harrisburg can help Philly green its infrastructure — and economy
Ernest Owens: Why Am I Not More Excited That Philadelphia Is Finally Reopening?
Helen Ubiñas: Will the closing of Philadelphia’s only rec center for people with disabilities lead to lasting inclusion? 
John L. Micek: Best Buds: You loved the Pa. ‘Ice Cream Trail,’ now here’s the Pa. ‘Garden Trail’ | Thursday Morning Coffee
David J Bowie: We the People of Pennsylvania made our voices heard
Arden Tewksbury: All dairy farmers need a new pricing formula
Bruce Katz, Keith Bethel, Jamarah Hayner, Rick Jacobs, Colin Higgins, and Andrew Petrisin: Re-Thinking The Wealth Gap 
Paul Muschick: Six COVID-19 innovations that are worth keeping
Tim Fluck: Some officials should just grow up
Robert I. Field: New laws that restrain public health measures are good for the coronavirus, bad for humans
JD Mullane: Some advice to that $516 million Pa. lottery winner in Levittown
The Angry Grammarian: One word you shouldn’t say about someone graduating in 2021